Featured image: ©istockphoto.com / Chinnapong

It’s time to discover these 10 extraordinarily refined places, each with distinctly different waterfront experiences.

Birmingham, Michigan

What’s tucked inside a Great Lakes luxury property? The better question is, what’s not? Aside from fantastic lakefront views, plenty of room for entertaining, and a spot for any water toys you may fancy, the area itself is famously well-known. Janine Grillo, a Keller Williams Domain Associate Broker, tells Unique Homes that the Great Lakes region is the
No. 1 freshwater boating destination in the U.S.

“The sheer size of this territory affords boaters a whole world of fun and a number of diverse places to explore on the water,” she says, noting that every day here feels like a vacation. “This summer, we are finding buyers are looking to enjoy life more, relax (and work) from home. The updated, roomy waterfront properties sell fast,” Grillo says.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada & California

“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine. Bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? It is the same the angels breathe,” said Mark Twain in describing Lake Tahoe. Chase International President and CEO Shari Chase characterizes it in the same way, recounting this quote from where she calls home, on the Nevada side of the iconic area.

“Lake Tahoe is a real treasure,” Chase says in painting a picture of the 22-mile-long, 12-mile-wide body of water, which is majestically surrounded by mountains. “Everything has a very spiritual essence to it here. The water is beautifully pure, with blues and crystalized greens,” she continues. The land boasts an outdoor lifestyle, where residents can easily take in treasured hiking trails, ski lodges, boating, beaches, art and more. Within one hour of the space are gems such as Virginia City, Genoa, and Jackson, California, which all are filled with wonderful recreation.

Prices here range from $3.75 million to $48 million, with most buyers prioritizing a spacious pier when considering their search.

Chase International Broker Trinkie Watson says that diversity of year-round outdoor activities, alongside good restaurants, art galleries and unique shopping are a huge draw to the area, as well as convenience to Sacramento and the Bay Area. Residents can easily take in treasured hiking trails, ski lodges, boating and beaches. “Whether it’s at the lake or on a beautiful trail in the mountains, it’s all gorgeous,” Watson says.

Londonderry, New Hampshire

The New England waterfront is known for its variety of seasonal landscapes throughout the year. Residents are able to experience the full extent of floral springs, fluttering snowflakes, peaceful waters, and crisp autumn leaves. And right now, in the summertime, the sights could not be better, says Morgan Smith, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty.

“We have hundreds of clean lakes with 360 degrees of spectacular scenery. Owners love to watch the loons, fish off the dock, kayak and waterski, and lazily soak in the clear, fresh water warmed by the sun,” she says. Coastal properties in New England feature properties with rocky ledges, crashing waves, and beaches that can be strolled for miles and miles.

With regard to how the market is faring, lower-than-average inventories are leaving very few properties for sale at a time. Prices of waterfront properties range from $1 million to $25 million, with buyers privy to direct access to the water, spacious frontage, and plenty of room for a watercraft, Smith says. She enjoys her daily life in the area, and wishes to share the elegance with new buyers. “I love spending time in Cape Elizabeth,” she says. “If I can be on a boat (or a hammock), and smell fresh air next to a body of water, I’m happy.”

The California oceanfront is star-studded with luxury at every turn. Coronado, San Diego is absolutely no exception. Broker Associate Scott Aurich of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty has lived in 17 different houses throughout the town and loved every second of it. To get away from it all, Aurich enjoys his early mornings more than anything else; he spends it surfing in tranquil waters, golfing through immaculate links, or entranced by friendly creatures at the stables. He stressed that Coronado camaraderie cannot be replicated anywhere else he’s seen.

Whether it’s the unique amenities the town has to offer, the community center with a gym, or the iconic $34 million Crown Manor estate he is representing, Coronado is truly special. But his favorite piece of home, he says, is the people. “The best thing is the people; it’s hard to describe,” Aurich mentioned. He finds that the kindness of his neighbors is where he feels the most pride. It’s not just Aurich that has noticed the grandeur; the temperature of real estate in Coronado is booming, to say the least. The demand is so high that at press time, only 54 houses were for sale. “The market is white hot,” Aurich said, explaining that the value of homes has gone up exponentially in the last 20 years.

Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin, is a gorgeous peninsula with 250 miles of coastline — it’s surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan on the eastern side, and Green Bay on the western side. For weekenders or vacationers, the area boasts incredible opportunities for sailing, water sports, fishing, boutiques, restaurants and quaint villages that dot the shoreline, explains Jamie Sanger, a managing broker with Coldwell Banker Realty.

The county of Door has fantastic experiences in the arts, theater, and golf courses, but most of all, it is best known for its natural scenic beauty, she tells Unique Homes. With even multimillion-dollar homes and estates selling like hotcakes, any inventory that is available is selling for well over asking price. Sanger feels that her area and the lifestyles awaiting there are in particularly high demand: “I feel the pandemic has fueled our market, in that folks want to be able to ‘get away’ from the urban areas to enjoy a more peaceful, private, and healthy lifestyle,” she continues. This is what she sees in her own hometown as well, Ellison Bay, which she says has stayed tranquil and untouched by development in recent years.

Over in Sarasota, Candy Swick, president and broker at Candy Swick & Company, is dazzled by the diversity of people she meets every single day. “One minute you are having a conversation with an astronaut, a rocket scientist, an author, or an international ballet virtuoso from Russia,” she says.

Swick describes the water in Sarasota as “Carribean blue,” alongside a breeze that drifts in soft and cooling. Residents can enjoy multitudes of water sports, a world-class ice skating rink where Olympic figure skaters have trained, and ballet and opera performances.

As for the price tag, luxury homes are running from $2 million to
$20 million. Houses are frequently selling the day they enter the market, at list price or often in a situation with multiple offers. A typical bayfront home in Sarasota starts at $2.5 million, where buyers can view the magic, nightlife, and restaurants outlining the entire city. “We know that if an individual desired to enjoy a new restaurant for lunch and another for dinner, it would take more than a year to explore them all,” Swick said.

“Think of a place that has beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear water and clean, silky-smooth sand; a place that is known as the yacht capital of the world, with spectacular vessels cruising in daily through the port,” says Shai Mashiach, a Coldwell Banker Realty agent, in painting a picture of his beloved home.

He notes that in the bustling housing market, several waterfront neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale are in high demand; particularly Las Olas and Harbor Beach, where prices start in the millions. Mashiach noted the convenience of the area as well; it’s only a one-hour boat ride to the Bahamas, a 30-minute drive south to Miami or north to Palm Beach, and one hour to the Florida Keys. “It’s a place that has the best restaurants, great nightlife, and magnificent people from around the globe,” he continued.

As far as his personal favorite to-dos, Mashiach and his family enjoy quality time on the water, fishing, or docking at a favorite restaurant on the Intracoastal for a spectacular meal. “From yoga on the beach to amazing deep-water fishing, Fort Lauderdale has a wonderful ambiance and everything you need to enjoy life,” he says.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico is known as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. A hundred-plus feet of visibility in the pristine, cobalt water is perfect for a deep dive, whether you’re a novice or expert. “The clarity of the water is just extraordinary,” says Cindy Case, a Realtor with Douglas Elliman. The island takes pride in differentiating itself from the mainland; as opposed to cities like Cancun, Cozumel boasts a private, more intimate community.

“It’s a unique, small island with a very relaxed vibe,” Case says. Yet, this does not eliminate the availability of ample restaurants, shopping, and hospital care. There are many properties available for sale along the water, and well-priced at that. Case notes the affordability of property on such a prime Caribbean island. When recalling her favorites, Case enjoys beach hopping along the backside of the island; she treasures the chain of beautiful, wide, white-sand beaches with restaurants and bars.

Picture year-round warm weather and sunshine, vast cultural diversity and delicacies, and a fabulous cosmopolitan lifestyle when thinking of residential life in Honolulu, Hawaii, says Tracy Allen of Coldwell Banker Realty.

“Breathtaking hikes along the Ko’olau mountain ranges and scenic coastal trails offer incredible vistas second to none. Visitors and residents love the vast cultural foods found in Hawaii, and come to the island to enjoy many different dining experiences,” Allen describes.

For purchases on the water, prices start at around $6 million, and can range from $8 million to $20 million as well. Allen says that waterfront homes in the area have generally been built within the last 10 years, and include modern touches such as lighter wood tones, smart technology, gyms, home offices, and large, professional kitchens.

Surfing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, jet skiing, and canoe paddling are just a few activities keeping residents entertained. Allen wants buyers to know: if you’re looking for a diverse experience, Hawaii is for you. And when asked her perfect way to spend a day, her answer is simple; “The beach! You can never go wrong with our turquoise crystal-clear waters!”

Kaua’i, Hawaii

In another part of the islands, luxury on Kaua’i translates to “soulful” according to Hawaii Life broker Neal Norman. It is that very soul and heart that keeps residents smiling in the sunshine, just as Norman found himself when he moved in 25 years ago.

“We’re seeing purposeful buyers who want to live the lifestyle: that luxury, soulful living that Kaua’i provides,” Norman says. In the North Shore region where he is located, buyers and sellers are connected on the ocean view at a variety of prices, ranging from $3 million to $50 million. Dream homes are purchased on the daily in this blue-sky paradise, where residents can spend quality time with loved ones and friends.

Offering numerous outdoor endeavors, hiking, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, beach combing and biking are just a few of the fantastic opportunities in Kaua’i. “Buyers are finding solitude and serenity on this little island in the Pacific Sea,” Norman says. “Kaua’i is a rare and special place.”

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE UH Summer ’21 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

Yvonne Summerfield

RE/MAX Kauai Living 2253 Poipu Road Koloa, HI 96756

Cell: 808.346.7251

ysummerfield@remax.net | www.YvonneSummerfield.com

As Kauai’s top selling Realtor (most sold transactions), I am uniquely qualified to help you with your real estate needs on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is my privilege and goal to be of service to you, providing exceptional representation, with the highest levels of integrity and discretion. Homeowners have entrusted me to represent them in over half a billion dollars in real estate transactions. Whether buying or selling Kauai real estate, I am here to help you. Contact me today to take a virtual tour of this wonderful Kukuiula property.

Featured Property:

5615 Holo Malanai Street, Koloa, HI

Luxury meets your lifestyle in this gem of a custom-built home with spectacular views! You will find wonderful ocean, mountain, sunset and golf course views from nearly every room. Built in 2013, it is situated within the private club community of Kukuiula on Kauai’s sunny south shore in Poipu Beach. “With the open floor plan living, this strikingly well-balanced home is as gracious as it is good looking,” says listing agent Yvonne Summerfield of RE/MAX Kauai Living. Complete with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths in the main home, and a detached 1-bedroom 1-bath guesthouse. Energy efficient with photovoltaic panels. Swimming pool and barbecue grill. 3,595 square feet of indoor-outdoor living space, including covered lanais. Price Upon Request.

View virtual tour at: LuxuryKukuiulaLiving.com

4 Bedrooms / 4.5 Baths / 19,142- square-foot lot

Yvonne Summerfield originally appeared as an Elite agent in Unique Homes Spring ’21: Elite edition. See the ad here.

Tracy Allen

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

1314 S. King Street, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96814

Lic#: RS-46610 | T: 808.927.6415

Tracy@CBPacific.com | TracyAllenHawaii.com

Featured Property: 1516 Mokulua Drive, Lanikai Kailua, Hawaii

Coastal Island Retreat… Swim, sun and recharge from your very own oceanfront resort! This sprawling residence situated on a spacious and beautifully manicured parcel offers a large 5-bedroom main home plus, a separate 5 bedroom + den guest house complete with its own private entrance. Meandering tropical pathways lead you to an impressive entry complete with a cascading water feature and Koi pond. Striking open living spaces with soaring ceilings and beautiful rich hardwood details overlook gorgeous turquoise waters and direct Mokulua island views. The sizeable master suite offers dual baths & dressing areas, a private seaside lounge area + an adjacent home gym. The kitchen seamlessly connects to the seaside dining room with outstanding views and is ideal for casual or grand entertaining. This estate is perfect for extended family enjoyment, home office use + every imaginable watersport right at your back door! This is life!

MLS: 202101216

Price: $11,895,000 FS

Main House: 5 bedrooms, 5 full + 2 half bath

Total Areas: 5,867 Sq. Ft.

Cottage: 5 bedrooms + den, 3 full + 1 half bath

Total Areas: 3,082 Sq. Ft.

Main House + Cottage Areas: 8,949 Sq. Ft.

Land Area: 22,314 Sq. Ft.

Linear Ocean Frontage: 75 Linear Ft.

Tracy Allen originally appeared as an Elite agent in the

Unique Homes Spring ’21: Elite edition. See her other

listings here.

PHOTO BY MPHOTOI.COM

Kohanaiki

Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty, exciting culture, and penchant for luxury are altogether enhanced for members and guests among the developments and resorts that offer a one-of-a-kind island lifestyle.

Hawaii received over 9.9 million visitors in 2018, according to the state governor’s office. There is no shortage of foot traffic on the islands and more and more families are falling in love with the lifestyle and searching for a second home amongst the Aloha Spirit. A variety of developments and resorts to choose from makes the transition from vacation place to home seamless.

“There is a genuine sense of community among the members, who also love Hawaii and the island experience,” notes Chuck Cary, vice president of sales and marketing at Kohanaiki. The development on the Big Island of Hawai`i is an exclusive, high-end, invitation-only private club community. It appeals to those looking for an escape, which is easy to find on the 450 oceanfront acres. The idea of a luxurious, hassle-free experience is one that rings true for most developments and resorts in Hawaii.

“Luxury buyers are seeking opportunities to establish second home ownership that can deliver unique family experiences and ultimate gathering places – authentic communities that embrace local culture and a true turnkey lifestyle experience,” says Tina Necrason, senior vice president of Residential at Montage International. Montage Kapalua Bay, located on Maui along the waters of Namalu Bay, is an intimate 24-acre resort overlooking the bay.

Nicole Vincent, Realtor/Broker on the Kohala Coast for Coldwell Banker Island Properties, is well versed in the realm of luxury real estate, especially in developments and resorts. She notes that buyers, especially those with families, are drawn to the amenities that are offered in developments because the concierge, planned activities, fitness, golf, fine dining restaurants, and other amenities facilitate ease and convenience all within a community.

PHOTO COURTESY MONTAGE KAPALUA RESIDENCES

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay

“The happiest clients are able to visit their homes and relax while visiting and really enjoy all the Big Island has to offer,” notes Vincent. The especially enticing elements that developments offer are the family-friendly and community-oriented aspects. “The memberships are structured for families with what is called a vertical membership, meaning the grandparents, children, and grandchildren can all be considered as members. This becomes attractive for families and extended families who vacation together,” according to Vincent. The sense of community is a crucial element that buyers and visitors expect, and it becomes obvious even after a short stay.

“The staff knows you, your likes and dislikes, the same way your family does. That personalized, high-end consistent service is a big part of why buyers know they want to be a part of a private club versus general luxury real estate,” urges Cary on Kohanaiki’s dedication to community. Similarly, Necrason, says, “there is a strong sense of camaraderie in the community through the relationships that are built as families get to know one another, whether through an owner event or shared excursion throughout the year or getting to know the resort staff.”

The luxurious amenities can certainly be a deciding factor for buyers, yet the decision can go further, beyond beach and spa access. “Ultimately, buyers seem to gel with a particular location based on the total package, despite all resorts essentially being able to claim most of the same amenity options,” says Vincent.

Kohanaiki, for example, is committed to sustainability and the conservation/preservation of the environment. “Kohanaiki is recognized as a leader in the evolution of the private club experience,” Cary says. “The planning and development of the community are centered on an environmentally sustainable infrastructure.” While amenities can capture attention, fundamentals such as this also play an important role in attracting guests and buyers.

This editorial originally appeared in Unique Homes Winter 2020.

All photos courtesy of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu.

Have you ever wondered what it’d look like to combine the luxury of Italian design and natural beauty of Honolulu? Now you don’t have to imagine.

Mana’olana Partners unveiled The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu’s new kitchen and bathroom designs in collaboration with renowned Milan-based designer, Molteni&C|Dada. This marks the Italian designer’s debut on the Hawaiian islands.

“As one of the world’s most influential tastemakers, Molteni&C|Dada is synonymous with sophistication and class and stands for everything that the Mandarin Oriental brand represents,” said James Ratkovich, co-managing partner of Mana’olana Partners, in a press release. “We are elated to welcome our future Residents to the Residence Gallery to experience the true-to-life Molteni spaces.”

Designed by Dianna Wong Architecture and fabricated by Molteni&C|Dada, the 99 exclusive residences will feature custom Italian bathrooms with a selection of two dramatic color palettes.

The Daybreak Palette will include Dada light oak wood cabinetry, Dada pewter metal trim, Dada Maxxigloss white lacquer cabinetry, White Carrara marble Kitchen counter and backsplash, and ADM White European Oak wood flooring.

The Nightfall Palette will have Rhone camel stained Oak wood flooring, Dada Eucalyptus wood kitchen cabinetry, Dada Titan metal trim and Grigio Lido Opaco Marble counter and backsplash.

Residents will have premier access to a private amenity level comprised of a luxury pool and lounge area with sun cabanas, a chef’s kitchen with a dining room, state-of-the-art theater and more.

Residents and hotel guests alike will be able to shop in the Retail Salon, which holds the finest merchandise from couture fashion and accessories to jewelry and luxury timepieces.

Prospective owners can virtually experience the building through the Residence Gallery, which features an interactive touchscreen, in which users can explore floor plans, renderings, views and fly-through videos as well as tour vignettes of the Dada-designed kitchens and bathrooms.

Select residences are available in the low $2 millions and up to $35 million, which includes the most expensive penthouse on the market in Honolulu.

Photo by Charles Roach / aloha films

Experts say it’s the perfect time to buy in Hawaii. But when isn’t it?

Aloha is much more than a salutation or expression of farewell in Hawaii. The “Aloha Spirit” is a way of life. This philosophy of mutual regard and compassion for others was a gift from native Hawaiians and is still practiced today to contribute to the overall experience on the islands.

The relaxed nature combined with pristine beaches, luxurious homes, and natural beauty make Hawaii a dream location for a second or permanent home.

“Oahu, known as ‘The Gathering Place,’ offers a wonderful combination of the amenities you would find in a vibrant metropolitan city as well as easy access to the tropical environment, including beaches, trails, and spectacular scenic ocean views,” according to Tracy Allen, the vice president and global luxury ambassador for Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties in Honolulu. The Hawaiian Islands are a true place for gathering, from outdoor enthusiasts to business professionals, with the surrounding Central Pacific Ocean offering added benefits for all.

“Oahu is truly magical in that it has all of the beauty of Hawaii while offering the ultimate lifestyle in paradise — outdoor activities, dining, and culture,” says Tracy Bradley, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawai’i Realty. Similarly, Dannette Andrews, at Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty, says, “moving to Kauai is a lifestyle choice for people who appreciate the natural beauty and laid back lifestyle.”

Ideally located at almost the mid-way point between the United States and Asia, Hawaii is an oasis with easy access to flights in both directions. Although, visitors may never want to leave the world-renown beaches, gentle waves for canoe surfing or the more extreme Pipeline, gorgeous waterfalls, hiking, ziplining, luxurious homes, and high-end restaurants. “Year-round we are able to surf, play tennis, hike, snorkel, sail, bike, and enjoy paradise,” says Bradley.

Whether buyers are relocating or hunting for a second home, “it’s the perfect time to buy,” says Andrews. “Luxury real estate on [Kauai] used to be considered anything over $1 million, but I would now say it’s pushing closer to $1.5 million. And the ultra-luxury for high-end gated estates start around $4 million and go up.” According to Allen, Oahu is one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the U.S., with a strong influx of foreign buyers. “The leading foreign investing is still from Japan, followed by Canada and Korea. U.S. West Coast buyers are also a dominant force in our market and make up a large segment of our second-home buyer market.”

Hawaii Luxury Experts

Hawaii

Tracy Allen

Vice President, Global Luxury Ambassador

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

D. 808.593.6415 C. 808.927.6415

Tracy@cbpacific.com

www.TracyAllenHawaii.com

PageS 142-144

Hawaii

Tracy Bradley, R

President, RB-15189

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawai’i Realty

D. 808.282.3264

tracyb@bhhshawaii.com

www.bhhshawaii.com

Page 42

Hawaii

Dannette Andrews

Realtor (S), CRS, CLHMS

Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty

C. 808.635.7019

Danette@KauaiLuxuryLiving.com

www.KauaiLuxuryLiving.com

PageS 44-45

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE GLOBAL 2019 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

Sisi Takaki, RB-21987

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Hawai’i Realty

46 Hoo’lai Street, #D, Kailua, HI 96734

Cell: 808.753.7151 | SisiT@bhhshawaii.com

Sisi Takaki, Realtor is nationally recognized in the Top 2% of Sales for 2015-2017. She is a seasoned Luxury Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and was awarded into the President’s Circle in 2017. Sisi understands every facet of home ownership, from the emotional aspect of buying or selling your primary residence to the complexity of a profitable investment property. Sisi understands and values knowing each client’s goals and aligns herself to the needs of each unique situation. Selling your home can be one of the hardest things to do, but Sisi Takaki and her Team will guide you through the process. From Skyline to Shoreline, let Sisi Takaki, R and the STR Team help you with all of your real estate needs.

Listings by Sisi Takaki

Honolulu, Hawaii

1837 KALAKAUA AVE #2608

Enjoy the Allure of Waikiki with this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath unit with calming mountain and city views. The unit offers high-end finishes and a cutting-edge open kitchen. The building offers a modern design set in a tropical landscape with open green areas. Close to Waikiki businesses, Kakaako restaurants and shopping.

Offered at 1,158,880.

Sisi Takaki originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See her page here.

Although she has been one of the world’s greatest stars as a singer, comedian and actress, Cher might have had an even more successful career as a real estate developer.

From Florida to California and Hawaii, Cher has had her hand in designing and decorating a number of homes including on the Big Island in Hawaii at the exclusive gated Hualālai Resort where she and her architect-partner, William Long, designed a stunning ocean-view, Bali-style house – a result best described as contemporary meets exotic.

The current owner, billionaire businessman Bob Parsons, who founded GoDaddy in 1997 and the founder of PXG/Parsons Xtreme Golf has put the home on the market fully furnished for $10.955 million.

Since 1970 when Cher and Sonny Bono bought their first serious home, Cher has been fully engaged in managing the decor, first in conjunction with decorator Ron Wilson. She would tell him what she wanted, he would say it was impossible, and she said, “just do it.” He always did and worked with Cher on her next five home acquisitions through 1991. In 1996, she bought a property in Miami Beach when she took over the decorating herself and also launched Sanctuary, her mail order catalog.

By now, her style was permanently grounded using large pieces and varied textures, simply without clutter. After selling the Miami Beach mansion in 2002 she bought and decorated another grand mansion in Malibu, then advanced from decorating to designing the actual home in Hawaii with the assistance of Mr Long in 2008.

Taking full advantage of Hawaii’s perfect weather and gentle tradewinds, Cher’s design maximized these climate elements by emulating the Balinese open-pod architectural style with great expanses of movable glass walls that create a vanishing threshold for indoor-outdoor living.

Since air conditioning is rarely necessary and overhangs prevent rain showers from coming in, it’s not only refreshing but also a practical approach to year-round living. Spread across just over three quarters of an acre, the 9,446-square-foot house is made up of a series of pods that are arranged with the owner occupying the central pod which contains the main living and dining rooms, kitchen, casual dining on the lānai, and master suite. Guests have separate individual pods at the courtyard entrance so they don’t have to traverse the main living area when coming and going.

Overall, the home includes six bedrooms, six full and two half baths. Some of the baths open to private gardens for outdoor showering. The master suite faces the ocean, has an office and private deck with wrap-around water feature. The master bath has custom-stone sinks and a free-standing soaking tub open to its own private garden. Outside there is an infinity-edge pool and spa with wide panoramic views of the ocean and the members-only Ke’olu Golf Course. The buyers will also have access to the resort’s shared amenities, which include tennis, golf, a swimming pool, private beach club, six restaurants and access to the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai.

Cher designed and decorated Bali-style house inside the gated Hualālai Resort is now for sale, priced at $10.995 million. The listing agent is Rob Kildow, director of residential sales at Hualālai Realty, Kona-Kohala Coast.

Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

Photos courtesy of Hualālai Realty

A selection of gorgeous penthouse units on the market allow for home seekers to find a sky-high residence all their own. From the Italian countryside to the sandy beaches of Hawaii, here are a variety of penthouses across the globe, all with elevated aesthetic sensibilities and access to world-class amenities.

Castello di Casole, Bargagli Penthouse
Tuscany, Italy

Overlooking the hilltop town of Casole d’Elsa, the 3,350 square foot residence is perfectly situated within Castello di Casole, a historic castle in Tuscany, Italy that dates back to the 10th century. It is the ultimate in estate living encompassing three bedrooms, spacious private terrace, full kitchen and fireplace. Owners can enjoy a dedicated concierge, governate and private chefs as well as ensuite dining and spa services.

Photo courtesy of Casali di Casole.

Photo courtesy of Ascent South Lake Union.

Ascent South Lake Union, Penthouse C08
Seattle, Washington

Developed by Greystar, this nautical-inspired two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse stands high within Ascent South Lake Union, a 25-story luxury apartment tower newly opened in Seattle’s up-and-coming neighborhood. Ascent South Lake Union offers penthouse residents prime access to the adjacent Amazon headquarters across the street, unparalleled views of the Downtown skyline, Lake Union and the Space Needle, and a host of smart home technology. Penthouse residents have access to The Observatory, a rooftop lounge and open-air deck, as well as an organic green roof, a rooftop spa, indoor entertainment kitchen, a pet spa, life-size Scrabble board and state-of-the-art fitness center. View the floor plan here.

Timbers Kauai, The Kaiholo Penthouse 3202
Kauai, Hawaii

As the pinnacle of luxury at the newest resort and on the lush island of Kauai, the three-bedroom and three-and-a-half bathroom Kaiholo penthouse offers spacious living with cliffside views of the 18-hole Ocean Course at Hokuala, Hau’pu Mountain Range and Nawiliwili Bay. As the largest residence at Timbers Kauai, the penthouse spans 5,239 square feet with a 1,795 square foot private lanai and features include Sapele hardwood floors, natural stone vanities and custom cabinetry, and beautifully appointed kitchens with Thermador Masterpiece appliances and an integrated wine cooler.

Photo courtesy of Timbers Kauai.

The Residences at the Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu has unveiled a first look at the exquisite residences that are ushering in a new era of luxury in Hawaii.

Developed by Salem Partners and conceived by an acclaimed team of international designers from Meyer Davis and Dianna Wong to Hart Howerton and Fluidity Design, the collaboration has never before been seen and will likely never exist again.

The Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu will push the boundaries of design and innovation and raise the bar for luxury high-rise living in Honolulu. Located on of the most iconic street corners in the state, the 36-story tower will rank among the most lauded architecturally significant buildings in the world.

The tower will also house 125 chic and contemporary guest rooms and suites, designed to reflect the local culture while paying homage to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s heritage. Starting from the 19th floor, 99 exclusive residences will represent the most distinguished residential offering available in the world, each conjuring a sense of effortless extravagance and timeless sophistication.

Located in the heart of the Ala Moana District, adjacent to the world-renowned Waikiki District and surrounded by the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, Honolulu is situated directly across the street from the Hawaii Convention Center and Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping destination. At the intersection of Kapiolani Boulevard and Atkinson Drive, the tower is the first project approved under the city’s newly adopted Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan.

Residents will have access to a private resident-only amenity level that features a luxury pool, outdoor lounge space complete with cabanas and fire pits, as well as a karaoke room, and Dolby Theater along with privileged access to an array of top-notch amenities and services offered at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu.

The architectural vision for the building is a vertical interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian lanai—a shaded porch or verandah affording the pleasures of indoor-outdoor living. The design uses dramatically carved terraces and balconies to provide deeply shaded areas and frame views from these lanais, integrating gardens into nearly every front-of-house experience.